A sudden, powerful gust of wind tore through a popular dining strip in Jimbaran before dawn, damaging several beachfront cafes and highlighting the seasonal weather patterns that can impact Bali’s tourism areas.
JIMBARAN, Bali — A pre-dawn weather event on Thursday, January 8, 2026, caused significant material damage to a row of popular seafood cafes along Jimbaran Beach. Several establishments in the area known locally as Cafe 9 sustained damage, primarily to their roofing structures, after strong winds swept through the South Kuta district around 3:00 AM.
According to South Kuta Police Chief, Commissioner I Komang Agus Dharmayana W, initial assessments confirm the damage was caused by the sudden gust. The incident resulted in no injuries or loss of life.
Damaged Establishments and Response
Cafes affected include Cafe Nyoman, Cafe Lia, Cafe Denas, Cafe Bayang, Cafe Bambu, and Cafe Jimbaran Beach. Police reported that the wind caused sections of aluminum alderon roofing to collapse, rendering parts of the structures temporarily unusable.
“Several cafes in the Cafe 9 area experienced damage in the form of collapsed alderon roofs, so they cannot be used for the time being,” Commissioner Dharmayana stated.
Cleanup efforts are underway, with local authorities coordinating with the Badung Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) for further handling. Community police officers (Bhabinkamtibmas) in Jimbaran have also been on-site, coordinating with cafe management and local village officials.
“Overall, the situation at the location is monitored as safe and under control,” the police chief added. Authorities have issued advisories for residents and business owners to remain vigilant, as the potential for further extreme weather persists.
A Reminder of Seasonal Weather Patterns
The incident aligns with weather advisories from the Regional III Denpasar Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BBMKG). The agency had forecast wind speeds in Bali ranging from 6 to 40 kilometers per hour on Thursday, identifying Badung Regency, Gianyar Regency, and Denpasar City as areas with potential for strong winds.
For the global community in Bali, particularly in coastal tourism hubs, the event serves as a practical reminder of the island’s dynamic tropical climate. While such localized wind damage is not commonplace, the wet season can bring unpredictable and intense weather bursts that occasionally impact infrastructure.
The damage, while disruptive for the affected family-run businesses, underscores the importance of preparedness. As Jimbaran’s famous sunset dining scene is a staple for many visitors, the quick response and absence of injuries will be a relief to the local tourism community, which can now focus on repairs before the evening crowd arrives.